And even under the most conservative forecasts, demand for pipeline capacity—including Enbridge’s Mainline system—is expected to grow.

Enbridge’s proposed Line 3 Replacement Project is not only a safety and environment-driven initiative. During statewide public hearings this month, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has also heard from Minnesotans who point out that the project is vitally important to the state’s economy.

“I own an electric car, a Chevy Volt. However, my second car, my truck, runs on gas and oil, and so do my boat, four-wheeler, snowmobile, chain saw, log splitter, weed whacker, and power washer,” testified Ron, an outdoorsman who supports the project. “In fact, our Chevy Volt runs on gas and oil also.

“If this project doesn’t go through,” he added, “we’ll still be using oil in the future—it’ll just cost more.”

“We—we—are the consumers that need the petroleum that will be refined after travelling through Line 3,” testified Kevin Thoma, representing the Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association, a group representing more than 800 members and 2,500 retail locations.

“I want to stress to you, and to those who have claimed we don’t need this,” he continued, “that Line 3 is needed to ensure an affordable, safe and reliable source of energy to keep Minnesota moving forward.”

“I’m a millennial. I like nice things. I do not know a life without telephones, tennis shoes, electricity, indoor plumbing, a warm home, fresh food . . . the list goes on,” testified Ann, an Enbridge employee, in support of the project.

“I also like two-day prime shipping from Amazon. That may be a luxury, but I still like it, and I bet many Minnesotans like similar conveniences,” she remarked. “Every one of these things, luxuries and necessities . . . are made possible with fossil fuels.

“Bottom line: Be progressive. Be a problem solver, not a problem maker. If you want a society without fossil fuels, find a better solution and use that,” added Ann. “Until then, go Line 3.”

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